TWO of the town’s star pupils have returned to the borough to help inspire the next generation of students.

Ex-Breeze Hill pupil Munira Mirza, who is now London’s deputy mayor for culture and education, and former Failsworth pupil Sam Jones, now managing director of Tunafish Media, are just two of the town’s success stories.

They have been recruited to join the new Oldham Education and Skills Commission (OESC) to raise the aspirations of youngsters.

Former Oldham Sixth Form student, Munira, 36, who advises Boris Johnson in the capital, said: “Oldham has a special place in my heart and this is such a vital project that I simply couldn’t refuse the invitation.

Sam, who also attended Oldham Sixth Form and set up his multi-award winning media production and content marketing agency on leaving Salford University, added: “There are some big challenges ahead and it’s an honour to be asked to help try and solve them.

“It’s not going to be easy but the prize – helping young people to achieve their full potential – is really exciting.”

The commission, chaired by former Education Secretary, Estelle Morris, recently met for the first time.

Council leader Jim McMahon said: “As another generation of students return to their desks, the OESC is also getting on with the vital work to identify exactly what we must do to ensure every one of them can achieve their full potential.”